Burning smell and bumpy when in D (waiting at red light)

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My Name: Calapuno

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Posts: 1
Joined: Sat Dec 01, 2018 5:15 pm
Model: C3 2009-2013, New shape (A51)
Year: 2011 (11)
Engine Size: 1.6
Fuel Type: Petrol
Mileage: 76000
Trim Level: NA
Gearbox: Automatic PRND
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: TU1 (60 PS)

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Hi,

A few infos on my car first

2011, 1.6, petrol, automatic, 76000 miles

This literally happened an hour ago. I was driving home from work with a stop at Tesco’s. While I was reversing I noticed this dominant smell in my car, very much like stale cigarette smell (had the heating on full blast as it’s baltic outside lol). When to do a quick shop and drive home. Had to wait a minute or two at the red lights (in D) and all of a sudden I heard a crunchy noise and the car jumped a little. I wasn’t far away from home (less than a minute). It drove without issues but when I parked in front of the house I noticed that when I switched from D to P it made a scratchy noise. Just to check I changed to R and D and the scratchy noise was there again. Left it running for a while and the crunchy noise and jump happened again. Went in and asked my friend to come with me on a little spin to see what it could be (he’s no mechanic but knows more of cars than me lol) but of course...nothing happened except the tiny scratchy noise but while in D waiting for the big noise nothing happened. I googled and it said it could be just transmission oil heating up (hence the smell) and changing the oil should do the trick. I’m not too sure about that and as it’s a Saturday night and I have to go to work again tomorrow I’d like to know if I’m safe to drive and if an oil change will help or if it’s a major issue (nothing I need right before Xmas) Thanks
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My Name: Arfur Dent

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Model: C3 2002-2005, Original shape model
Year: 2002 (52)
Engine Size: 1.4 (16v)
Fuel Type: Diesel
Mileage: 100000
Trim Level: Exclusive
Gearbox: Manual 5 speed
DPF: No
LHD or RHD: RHD (UK)
Engine name: DV4 16-valve diesel (90 PS)
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Calapuno wrote: ↑Sat Dec 01, 2018 5:25 pm Hi,

A few infos on my car first

2011, 1.6, petrol, automatic, 76000 miles

This literally happened an hour ago. I was driving home from work with a stop at Tesco’s. While I was reversing I noticed this dominant smell in my car, very much like stale cigarette smell (had the heating on full blast as it’s baltic outside lol). When to do a quick shop and drive home. Had to wait a minute or two at the red lights (in D) and all of a sudden I heard a crunchy noise and the car jumped a little. I wasn’t far away from home (less than a minute). It drove without issues but when I parked in front of the house I noticed that when I switched from D to P it made a scratchy noise. Just to check I changed to R and D and the scratchy noise was there again. Left it running for a while and the crunchy noise and jump happened again. Went in and asked my friend to come with me on a little spin to see what it could be (he’s no mechanic but knows more of cars than me lol) but of course...nothing happened except the tiny scratchy noise but while in D waiting for the big noise nothing happened. I googled and it said it could be just transmission oil heating up (hence the smell) and changing the oil should do the trick. I’m not too sure about that and as it’s a Saturday night and I have to go to work again tomorrow I’d like to know if I’m safe to drive and if an oil change will help or if it’s a major issue (nothing I need right before Xmas) Thanks
Hi Calapuno,

I would suggest having the gearbox oil drained out and inspected. If the oil is badly contaminated with clucth/brake material or metal then your auto box is terminal.

If it looks ok to a professional, then it may just be a solenoid, but these usually go bang rather than crunch or scratch.

Noises from an automatic gearbox are usually terminal because the cost of stripping down and repair is more expensive than a second hand replacement.
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